Richard E. Grant has paid a moving tribute to his late Star Wars co-star Carrie Fisher on what would have been her 70th birthday. The 69-year-old actor posted a series of rare photos on Instagram, celebrating Fisher, who died in December 2016 at the age of 60.
Rare Photos and a Heartfelt Caption
Fisher would have turned 70 on Wednesday, October 21. To mark the occasion, Grant shared casual images of the two together, which also featured Fisher's French bulldog, Gary. In the caption, Grant reflected on her wit and humor, revealing that the photos were taken two months before her death.
Grant wrote on Instagram on Thursday, October 22: "It was Carrie Fisher's posthumous 70th birthday yesterday. These pics were taken 2 months before she died, ten years ago, with her beloved dog, Gary. We met in 1990 whilst I was filming LA STORY."
A Friendship Forged in Hollywood
Grant and Fisher met at a Hollywood party early in his career, where Fisher famously told him, "You and I are going to be friends for a long time," a prediction that proved true. Grant often recalled her advice about his habit of name-dropping: "You are no longer a tourist, Richard. You're one of the attractions."
Both actors appeared together in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Fisher appeared posthumously as General Leia Organa via unreleased footage originally shot for The Force Awakens, while Grant joined the franchise as the villainous First Order officer, General Enric Pryde.
Fans Respond with Love
Many fans commented on Grant's post with heart emojis. One wrote: "What a beautiful tribute. You, Sir are a gem of a human being, I love everything about you, such grace, humanity and joy." Another said: "Carrie taught me from a young age that we could take on anyone and win. Forever my princess. Miss her."
Grant admitted he originally had reservations about how the filmmakers would integrate Fisher's footage into the final movie, but later praised the execution as "brilliant" and beautifully handled. His tribute serves as a lasting reminder of Fisher's impact on those who knew her and the fans who admired her.
